While left wins at takeoff, right dominates the landing experience with superior views of the San Francisco Bay system and Marin Headlands—the most visually distinctive features of this route's final approach. The landing views outweigh the takeoff advantage.
Flown ADB to SFO? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Izmir to San Francisco is 6,845 miles (11,016 km), a flight of about 13 hours 30 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Atlantic, passing over southern Greenland's ice sheet and glaciers (visible on northbound routing), then over the Canadian Arctic Archipelago or northern Canada depending on seasonal routing. The North Atlantic's open ocean dominates the mid-flight hours with few visible landmarks. As the aircraft approaches North America, the Rocky Mountains become visible—the Canadian Rockies near the Alberta-British Columbia border, then the northern US ranges. The Great Basin and Sierra Nevada appear as the aircraft descends toward California.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from ADB
LEFTLeft side offers immediate views of the Aegean Sea coastline and the Izmir Bay as the aircraft climbs northwest. You'll see the irregular Turkish coastline with its characteristic inlets and the city sprawl of Izmir receding below.
Landing at SFO
RIGHTRight side provides the best views during descent into SFO. You'll see the San Francisco Bay, the Golden Gate Strait, and Marin Headlands as the aircraft approaches from the northwest. The bay's distinctive geography and the coastal ridgelines are striking during final approach.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Adnan Menderes (ADB) to San Francisco International (SFO)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Izmir to San Francisco. While left wins at takeoff, right dominates the landing experience with superior views of the San Francisco Bay system and Marin Headlands—the most visually distinctive features of this route's final approach. The landing views outweigh the takeoff advantage.
What can I see during takeoff from Adnan Menderes in Izmir?
During takeoff from Adnan Menderes (ADB), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side offers immediate views of the Aegean Sea coastline and the Izmir Bay as the aircraft climbs northwest. You'll see the irregular Turkish coastline with its characteristic inlets and the city sprawl of Izmir receding below. Notable sights include: Izmir Bay, Aegean Sea coastline, Mount Pagos (Alsancak district backdrop), Turkish mainland ridgelines to the east.
What can I see when landing at San Francisco International in San Francisco?
When landing at San Francisco International (SFO), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides the best views during descent into SFO. You'll see the San Francisco Bay, the Golden Gate Strait, and Marin Headlands as the aircraft approaches from the northwest. The bay's distinctive geography and the coastal ridgelines are striking during final approach. Notable sights include: San Francisco Bay, Golden Gate Strait, Marin Headlands, Pacific coastline and coastal ranges.
How long is the flight from Izmir to San Francisco?
The flight from Adnan Menderes (ADB) to San Francisco International (SFO) takes about 13 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 6,845 miles (11,016 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Izmir to San Francisco flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Atlantic, passing over southern Greenland's ice sheet and glaciers (visible on northbound routing), then over the Canadian Arctic Archipelago or northern Canada depending on seasonal routing. The North Atlantic's open ocean dominates the mid-flight hours with few visible landmarks. As the aircraft approaches North America, the Rocky Mountains become visible—the Canadian Rockies near the Alberta-British Columbia border, then the northern US ranges. The Great Basin and Sierra Nevada appear as the aircraft descends toward California.